Franks Florentine
A comforting casserole combining spinach, rice, and frankfurters in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for quick family dinners and hearty lunch options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread cooked and drained chopped spinach in the bottom of a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Combine cooked rice, cheese or mushroom soup, minced onion, and milk; spoon this mixture over the spinach.
- Score each frankfurter with an X-shaped cut and arrange them on the casserole, pressing into the rice mixture.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian twist, replace frankfurters with sliced mushrooms or veggie sausages. If using fresh spinach, sauté it first to reduce moisture. You can also substitute the cheese soup with a homemade cheese sauce for a richer flavor. To enhance the dish, consider adding garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg to the rice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup to enhance the flavors. For a fun twist, you could serve it with a side of Jam Up Good Cookies for dessert to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Franks Florentine contains roughly 632 calories, with 15g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1608mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted before layering it in the baking dish. This helps reduce excess moisture and enhances the flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
What can I substitute for the cheese soup?
You can use homemade cheese sauce or a creamy white sauce as a substitute for cheese soup. For a lighter option, consider using a can of cream of mushroom soup mixed with shredded cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a healthier twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).